Project Assistant - Agronomy & Business Development (Two Positions: Field Based) at DanChurchAid (DCA)

The main responsibilities of the Project Assistants are:   

 Technical support and guidance:  

• Mobilize and onboard farmers, cooperatives, and trader associations and provide technical assistance during implementation of L2V project.   
• Enhance organisational, governance and management capacity of farmer, farmer organisations and trader associations through training, mentorship, and exposure.   
• Conduct training programs on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPS), post-harvest management, food safety cold storage best practices, and efficient utilization of the cooling units.  

 Business development support:  

• Identify and nurture business opportunities for smallholder horticulture farmers in alignment with project objectives. 
• Provide tailored training programs and support to enhance the business skills of selected farmers and Farmer Organizations, enabling active engagement in the market. 
• Facilitate market linkages and trade relationships between smallholder farmers and relevant markets. 
• Assist in establishing strategic partnerships between farmers, cooperatives, and financial institutions to explore potential financing options. 
• Facilitate effective business relationships between farmers and off-takers/exporters within targeted value chains. 
• Cultivate robust partnerships with farmers, relevant County government departments, input suppliers, and other stakeholders to drive project objectives at the local level. 

 Project implementation and monitoring:  

• Assist in the identification and setup process of cooling units through participatory approaches.  
• Provide regular progress reports, data collection, and documentation of field activities.  
• Contribute to project monitoring and evaluation, identifying challenges and proposing solutions.  

Communication and Representation: 

• Represent the project at relevant meetings, workshops, and conferences to promote project objectives.  
• Document and share key achievements / impact created by implementation of the project.   
• Collaborate with project partners and stakeholders to raise awareness about the project and its benefits.  

 Qualifications, skills & experience  

• 4-5 years of relevant experience in community development, business development or related fields. 
• Bachelor's degree in agriculture, agricultural economics, or a related field.   
• Proven experience in cooperative development and agricultural extension services, preferably in horticultural GAP training, agroecology, post-harvest management and cold chain systems.  
• Sound knowledge of smallholder farming practices, management of out-grower schemes, value chains/market system development. 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with farmers, cooperatives, and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.  
• Ability to deliver training programs and facilitate workshops to build capacity and knowledge among project beneficiaries.  
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently in remote field locations with limited supervision.  
• Proficiency in computer applications and data management software.  
• Fluency in English, Swahili and local languages is a requirement.   
• Must be a licensed motorbike rider (or willing to learn) & be willing to reside in the Sub-County of placement.